Carrier Device

Abstract

A rigid or semi-rigid device for carrying at least one, and preferably a plurality of handbags is provided. The device includes a handle, an elongated portion integrated with the handle through a middle portion and a pair of hooks. The hooks are angled upwardly to extend at least up to the height of the handle and are configured to smoothly receive the plurality of handbags and retain the handbags in the space in such a way that the plurality of bags remains parallel to the body of the person.

Claims

1. A rigid or semi-rigid monolithic holder for carrying a plurality of handbags, the holder comprising: a handle defining an opening for receiving fingers of a person's hand there through; an elongated portion integrated below the handle through a middle portion, wherein the elongated portion is parallel to the length of the device and defines a space between the handle and the elongated portion, and a pair of hooks including a first hook and a second hook, integrated with opposite longitudinal ends of the elongated portion, wherein the first hook and the second hook are angled upwardly to extend at least half way up to the height of the handle, wherein the first hook and the second hook are configured to smoothly receive the plurality of handbags and retain the handbags in the space in such a way that the plurality of bags remain parallel to the body of the person, and wherein further, the holder can carry a weight of at least 9 kilograms, without deformation from the added weight.

2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the handle includes top flat, and bottom curvature or belly protruding.

3. (canceled)

4. The holder of claim 1, wherein the first hook and the second hook are symmetrical with respect to each other.

5. The holder of claim 1, wherein the first hook and the second hook are asymmetrical with respect to each other.

6. The holder of claim 1, wherein the holder is made of at least one of a wood, Nylon 101, aluminum, plastic, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polypropylene fiberglass, polypropylene and HDPE.

7. The holder of claim 1 for carrying items having a metal wire handle.

8. (canceled)

9. The holder of claim 1 wherein the holder is used to carry plastic bags, clothes hangers, purses, paint cans, hay bales, and buckets.

10. The holder of claim 1 is made of polypropylene and HDPE.

11. The holder of claim 1 wherein a plurality of ridges are provided on the elongated portion to secure a plurality of bags therein.

12. The holder of claim 11 wherein the ridges have a depth of up to one quarter of an inch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] The invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a view of the device for carrying a plurality of hand bags;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the device for carrying the plurality of hand bags; and

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of the device with ridges for ease in carrying a plurality of hand bags.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the device carrying a plurality of hand bags;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device carrying a paint-can; and

[0021] FIG. 6 is a front view of a person holding a device carrying a plurality of hand bags parallel to the body of the person.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0022] The invention is described in detail below in connection with the Figures for purposes of illustration, only. The invention is defined in the appended claims. Terminology used throughout the specification and claims herein are given their ordinary meanings. As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms a, an and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term an article may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the Figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.

[0023] There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described, but not depicted. In a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification. While the specification concluded with the claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

[0024] A perspective view of the device 100 for carrying a plurality of bags 102 (shown in FIG. 4) is shown in FIG. 1. The device is flat and can be of varying thickness based on the materials used, provided it is sufficiently sturdy so as to not bend with the weight of filled bags, preferably being able to sustain weights of greater than 20 lbs (9.1 kilos). Preferably it is about to about (0.63 cm to 1.9 cm) thick. While not meant to be limiting, an objective is for the present device to carry food and/or grocery bags purchased from supermarkets and the like, or consumer goods placed in plastic bags as shown in FIG. 4.

[0025] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that device 100 could also be used to carry any number of different items having at least one handle or strap capable of being received by device 100, such as paint cans 120 as shown in FIG. 5, bug sprays with a handle, reusable bags, purses, wire, plastic and other types of clothes hangers, etc. Also, the inventive device is useful for easily carrying rectangular hay bales having ties or wires, Freon or propane tank cans, five gallon buckets, feed buckets, water pails, hanging plants, extension cords which can be wound onto the device for ease in carrying and storing, and is useful for organizing and carrying hanging horse bridles. Current devices found in the art are not generally useful devices for carrying such a variety of items as discussed herein.

[0026] A side view of the device 100 is shown in FIG. 2. The device 100 comprises a handle portion 104, an elongated portion 106 and a pair of hooks 108 (a and b) integrated on opposite sides of the device 100.

[0027] The device 100 is made of a monolithic (one piece) structure, i.e., the handle 104, the elongated portion 106 and the pair of hooks 108 are made of a single piece of material. Optionally the device 100 can be made of multiple pieces which are secured together by methods known in the art. Such methods include snapping together, securing with clips or nails/screws of some type, or the like. The monolithic device can be made by injection or cast molding, or manufactured by cutting out of pieces of plastic sheets. When in use, the handle portion 104 is at the top, the elongated portion 106 is at the bottom, with bags hanging therefrom. The handle portion 104 and the elongated portion 106 are connected through a middle portion 110.

[0028] The handle portion 104 defines an opening 112 in the center. The opening 112 is configured to receive fingers of a person's hand there through. The handle portion 104 further includes a grip 114. As shown in FIG. 2, the grip 114 is configured in an indented fashion for receiving fingers of the person using the device. The person then places the bags over the hooks 108a and 108b, and carries the device and bags.

[0029] The grip 114 has a profile that allows for the natural reception of fingers, thus making the device 100 comfortable to hold as shown in FIG. 4. This is advantageous whenever a load must be carried for any extended period of time or distance. In an example, the grip 114 can be provided with padding (not shown in the figures). Alternatively, and not shown in the figures, the grip 114 can be without indentations and have a smooth, straight line or downwardly curved grip. The handle 104 can also be straight or upwardly curved.

[0030] The elongated portion 106 is a horizontal structure with a flat design as shown in FIG. 2, or can be elongated with indentations for receiving the handles of bags, as shown in FIG. 3. The device 100 is also provided with a space 116 between the elongated portion 106 and the hook portions 108a and 108b.

[0031] The space 116 is present on the either side of the middle portion 110. The space 116 is configured to hold the plurality of bags. The width of the space can range from approximately to about 1 inch (0.317 to 2.54 cm), with a preferred space being about inch (1.27 cm). However, the optimum width will depend in part on the overall size of the device 100 and the width of the hooks 108a and b. Space 116 should not be so narrow so as to not allow free entry of the straps of the bags, nor too wide so as to weaken the hooks and make it easy for the hooks to get snagged and break off.

[0032] In an example, shown in FIG. 6, the device 100 is used for carrying four hand bags 102. The flat design of the device 100 allows the plurality of hand bags 102 to be carried parallel to the body of the person. Thus, ergonomically helping the person to carry the plurality of hand bags 102 without causing discomfort to the person.

[0033] The plurality of hooks 108, i.e., a first hook 108a and a second hook 108b are longitudinally present on the opposite sides of the elongated portion 106. The first hook 108a and the second hook 108b are extended from the elongated portion 106 and angled upwardly at about a 90 angle up to the height of the upper edge of the handle portion 104.

[0034] The height of the hooks can vary from about half the height of the device 100, to about inch (1.27 cm) above the handle 104. Preferably the hooks are about the height or slightly above the height of the handle 104. In the figures herein, the hooks extend to a height above the handle portion 104. The first hook 108a and the second hook 108b are configured to receive the plurality of handbags 102 and retain the handbags 102 in the space 116. The first hook 108a and the second hook 108b allow a smooth entry of the plurality of hand bags 102 inside the space, without any need for guiding of the bags. The design of the device 100 provides enhanced ergonomics and stability to the person while carrying the heavy loads for longer duration, or multiple trips carrying the load. While the figures show the first hook 108a and the second hook 108b are symmetrical with one another, an alternative is to have the hooks be asymmetrical. A perspective view of the device 100 along with a plurality of ridges 118 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0035] In this embodiment, the plurality of ridges, or indentations, 118 are present on the upper side of elongated portion 106 and on the small region on the first hook 108a and the second hook 108b.

[0036] The plurality of ridges 118 are configured to secure the position of the plurality of bags 102 when the person is moving. It should be appreciated that the plurality of ridges 118 can also be present along the entire length of the first hook 108a and the second hook 108b. Also, while three ridges are shown, any number of ridges may be provided depending on the number of bags to be carried. The ridges can also secure more than one bag per ridge depending on the depth of the ridge. Ridge depth can vary from a slight indentation or curvature, to about a (0.635).

[0037] The device 100 can be constructed of materials which provide for a rigid or semi-rigid construction, such as polyamides, or nylon 101, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyethylene, acetal- or acrylic-molecule materials or any other suitable plastic or polymeric material having the desired characteristics.

[0038] It can also be made of wood, or metals such as aluminum or stainless steel. Nylon or rigid plastic is the preferred material. The thickness of the device when using metals, is generally less than when using plastic type materials. For example, a prototype of aluminum was made wherein the device was approximately (0.317 cm) thick by about 8 (20.320 cm) wide (measured from hook to hook). The aluminum construction device felt thin and uncomfortable to use, but was not optimized due to cost considerations. An alternate plastic prototype was made of acrylic material having about a (1.90 cm) thickness by about 7 (17.780 cm) in width (as measured from hook to hook). This was found to be more comfortable to hold compared to the aluminum metal device. Different prototypes were made varying the size and width of the device, the indentations on the handle 104, and elongated lower end 106, and the curvature of the grip 114, and varying the materials. Ultimately, the device 100 is lightweight to carry and is conveniently sized to be carried in a pocket when not in use. While the size dimensions may vary, it was found that about 48 (10.1 6 cm20.32 cm)is a good fit for carrying to market, placing in the pockets of a pair of pants, or placing in a purse for transport and later use. Preferably the device 100 has high tensile strength when made of HDPE. See attached table of Hitec brand high density polyethylene (HDPE) for typical properties thereof which transfer onto the device when made of HDPE. Preferably the device is made of about polypropylene, fiberglass, and by injection molding.

[0039] The device was found to have a psi of about 1000-1500 (psi) at room temperature when made of acrylic material. The strength of the device 100 can also be further increased by using standard fillers. The device 100 has been shown as having an integral construction wherein all of its constituent parts are integrally formed. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the device 100 could be constructed by well-known injection molding techniques. It will be appreciated, however, that such an integral construction is not essential to the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0040] The maximum number of bags capable of being carried by the device 100 will depend on multiple factors such as the weight and size of the bags. It should be appreciated that the device 100 can also be used to carry a load having unequal weight distribution by having the person shift his fingers along the length of the grip 114 in the appropriate direction to leverage the unequal weight distribution. It was found that an acrylic device 100, about 841 (20.32 cm10.16 cm2.54 cm) can carry weight loads of up to about 500-600 lbs (226 kilos-272 Kilos), with the maximum being dictated by the amount a person can carry, rather than the weight that the device can carry without breaking. It is desired that the carrier be able to hold at least about 20 lbs (9 kilos) of weight without substantial deformation. Here substantial deformation is defined to mean no bending other than slight, or up to about 20% deformation compared to a carrier without any weight.

[0041] Modifications to the device include removing an amount of construction material to lighten the weight of the device yet have it remain sufficiently rigid to allow for carrying items and not substantially deforming. The handles can be wider if desired to allow heavier commercial-sized items to be carried. Accessories for the inventive device include building into the device items for convenience to the user such as a flashlight or light , a can opener, a hanger to allow hanging the device conveniently, a hanger to accommodate a clothes pole (such as for hanging clothes in a car), and other such items as desired by the user.

[0042] While the invention has been described in detail, modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the invention and portions of various embodiments may be combined or interchanged either in whole or in part.

[0043] Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0044] Although selected embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail, it may be understood that various substitutions and alterations are possible. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings may recognize additional various substitutions and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and as defined by the following claims.

TABLE-US-00001 ASTM TYPICAL PHYSICAL Nominal Test PROPERTIES Value Units Method Melt Index 0.80 g/10 min D 1238 Density 0.960.sub.+ g/cm.sup.3 D 1505 Tensile Strength @ Yield 4,600 psi D 638 Elongation @ Break >600 % D 638 Coefficient of Linear 6 10.sup.5 In./in./ F. D 696 Thermal Expansion Flexural Modulus 225,000 psi D 790 Tensile Impact 120 fl-lb/in D 1822 Low Temperature <76 C. D 746 Brittleness F.sub.50 Heat Deflection 82 C. D 648 Temperature @ 66 psi Maximum Service 180 F. Long Term Temperature, Air Vicat Softening Point 129 C. D 1525 Hardness, Shore D 69 D 2240 Absorption Max 0.01% D5709(2) Flammability Rating UL94 HB Compliances FDA, USDA, NSF

[0045] Table of typical physical properties of Hitec brand high density polyethylene.